Lemon cake with a slice being lifted, topped with a glossy glaze.

Gluten-Free Lemon Honey Olive Oil Cake

07/29/2025 | Bonia Bakery |

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with lemon desserts. Lemon bars, lemon cake, lemon candy—if it was tart, sweet, and citrusy, I wanted it. But the first time I tried a lemon olive oil cake, my life honestly changed for the better. It was bright, moist, and elegant all at once, and I knew I had to come up with my own version.

When I baked this cake for my boyfriend’s mom’s birthday, I wanted something that everyone could enjoy—even with a few family members who have gluten allergies. That’s how this recipe was born: a naturally gluten-free lemon honey olive oil cake that’s just as golden and delicious as the classic, but made a little lighter and healthier.

The result? A cake that’s soft, moist, and full of lemon-honey magic—perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or simply sharing with people you love.

A slice of lemon cake being lifted from a whole cake on a glass stand.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2¼ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Optional: extra lemon zest for topping

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
  7. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with extra zest if desired.

This cake is sunshine on a plate—bright, fresh, and full of lemon flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together simply, and it just might become a new family favorite.